Whitewater Rafting on the Lochsa River
- Fun, big water run, with too many rapids to count
- County Corner, Ten Pin, Bloody Mary, House, Jonsie's, Grim Reaper, Horsetail, Lochsa Falls, Split Creek Rapids
- Private riverside camp
- Remote location, surrounded by designated wilderness
- One of the best Class IV rivers in the world
- Crystal clear water (very cold)
- The Lochsa River is a designated Wild and Scenic River.
- Length: 20 miles
- Class: IV
- Great for folks looking for adrenaline soaked adventure and want to paddle
- Ability Level and Ages: Good physical shape, ready to paddle and swim if necessary. Minimum age is 15 y/o. Ages and ability levels can vary early spring with runoff
Meet at Ryan's Wilderness Inn, in Lowell Idaho. Mile marker 97.5 on HWY 12.
You will be greeted by our guides, who can assit you with anything and answer any questions. From there, you sign a waiver, put on some non bulky, synthetic layers that can go on under your wetsuit.
We will walk you through our gear bus, where we get you geared up. We always wear helmets, PFD (personal flotation device), wetsuit, neoprene coats, fleece, splash tops, and booties.
Once we are geared up, we hop on the bus and head for County Corner, about a 30 mile bus ride.
At the Put in, we move quickly, double checking gear, rigging boats, and hand out paddles.
Following a gear check, we do a safety talk and then start floating downstream.
We float 10 miles, then stop at Riley Flats, our riverside camp and eat lunch.
After lunch, we continue downstream and float the big ones, making our way 10 miles to the take out, Knife Edge.
After the trip, we load boats/gear, and head back to Ryan's Wilderness Inn, which is about a 10 minute drive.
- Synthetic layers: merino wool, poly, capilene (non bulky)
- No cotton!
- Extra fleece hat
- Gloves (buy some cheap neoprene ones)
- Warm clothes to change into
- Re-usable water bottle
- Snacks and beverages for after
- Extra cash for merchandise and tip
- Professional Guide
- Raft
- Paddle
- Shuttle
- Helmet
- PFD (professional flotation device)
- Splash jacket
- Wetsuit
- Neoprene coat
- Fleece
- Booties
- Hot lunch
We meet at Ryan's Wilderness Inn, Lowell Idaho. It's mile marker 97.5 on HWY 12. Look for the Green busses.
Also note, trips meet at 8:00am PST unless stated otherwise. Be aware of time change no matter where you are coming from!
Hot Lunch: Locally sourced smoked pulled pork, homemade BBQ sauce, coleslaw, fresh fruit, and cookies made from scratch. Vegetarian/other options are available upon request.
Make sure to gas up, and bring plenty of food/beverages before leaving.
We recommend folks get there a night early, so you are close to our meeting spot in Lowell. You can get a room at Ryan's Wilderness Inn, or find a camping spot.
Camping: Johnson Bar, Wilderness Gateway, O'Hara Bar, Wild Goose
Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the date of your trip, will receive a full refund. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made within 48 hours of a trips departure time. ZTS reserves the right to cancel a trip at any time if faced with unsuitable or unsafe weather or river conditions. If ZTS is forced to cancel a trip, you will be notified immediately and a full refund or alternative booking will be arranged.